Book Review: Union Hypocrisy by R.M. Smith

A former member of the Teamsters Union, author R. M. Smith writes how she discovered the union she believed in did not exist. Instead, she found groups that were more consumed with their own power than protecting the members they claimed to serve.

Union Hypocrisy is a revealing look into the motives and politics that flow through today's unions. Smith provides numerous examples of how unions rally against corporations for anti-worker policies they themselves utilize. She also creates a compelling case that indicates they prevent their own staff from unionizing, but condemn companies like Walmart for doing the same.

I approached Union Hypocrisy with a bit of bias. While unions were vital in fighting for workers' rights when they began, now they have become one part of a huge broken political system that has failed the middle class time and again. The little guy has been squeezed out of the game by a rich elite who can "buy" what it needs, all the while trying to convince the rest of us that they have our best interests at heart.

Much of what Smith discusses didn't come as a shock to me. You can tell by the details she provides, the quoted material, and the works cited in the References section that she knows what she's talking about and has performed additional research to back up her arguments. While the decision to resort to name calling in the book and  the use of certain colorful words did not win me over, one can't deny the experience and knowledge the author brings to the table.

For some, including myself, the shock comes when certain celebrity names and politicians are mentioned as not being union-friendly when one would assume they are. That was the most interesting aspect of the book for me. I definitely felt Union Hypocrisy was an eye-opener from that perspective. I won't reveal those names, since I feel it's worth checking out the book for those sections alone.

Those following current events and politics would be interested in this book.

Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1478275162
ISBN-13: 978-1478275169
SRP: $12.99
Also available in electronic formats
Purchase this book at Amazon!

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 61st book I've read for the following challenge:

Novella Review: Her Handyman by Morgan Mandel

If you enjoy romantic comedies, Her Handyman by Morgan Mandel should be on your electronic device.

This novella length romance finds Jake responding to the penthouse of a rich, quirky artist. A "jack of all trades" handyman who has a penchant for helping people with their problems, he's enjoying his life and looking forward to his marriage to the beautiful Angelina. So why is he so taken with Zoe, an oddball artist who lives like a hermit with her ugly little dog, FuFu?

Her Handyman is a sweet, funny romance. Mandel has a knack for creating characters whose lives you dive right into. Jake and Zoe are perfect examples. Jake is this really great guy who has a lot going for him: a good job, a lovely fiancée, and the admiration of many. People truly appreciate all Jake does for them. Zoe, on the other hand, is this kooky artist-type who changes costume to get into character to paint, doesn't clean her penthouse because she's too caught up in her work, and has this secret fear that all men are bad. While I couldn't relate much to either of them, it still worked because the author created them to be people I wanted to care about; people I wanted to see together.

Knowing that Jake was engaged at the beginning of this, I wondered how Mandel would pull off his doubting his relationship with Angelina. Could the author get Jake and Zoe together and still keep Jake likable to the reader? She did that, and more. By the time this novella is over, you understand Jake's actions and are glad he did what he did. The secondary story of Zoe's relationship with her father Carmen was a nice touch. It helped to round out her character.

What I thought was smart considering the length of this story is that the majority of the novella was focused on the two main characters. There were secondary characters around, but not a lot of time was spent with them, so the reader comes away feeling like she followed these two people on a wonderful journey to discovering each other.

Another A+ for Morgan Mandel. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.



File Size: 282 KB
Print Length: 121 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Choice One Publishing Co. (September 6, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B0097EVXBK
SRP: Only 99 cents at Amazon

I downloaded a paid copy of this book to my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 61st book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 37th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Rosemary Opens Her Heart by Naomi King

The Lambrights, the Grabers, and all the folks from Cedar Creek, Missouri welcome you back in this second installment of Naomi King's Home at Cedar Creek series, Rosemary Opens Her Heart.

Zanna Lambright and Johnny Ropp are finally getting married. Friends and family are arriving in Cedar Creek to celebrate. Among them is Rosemary Yutzy, a young widow and mother of toddler Katie. After the tragic death of her husband last fall, Rosemary took over the running of her in-laws' house. But life with her father-in-law Titus and sister-in-law Beth Ann doesn't keep her from mourning the loss of Joe.

When Titus decides he wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright's, it might mean a move to Cedar Creek for the Yutzy family. Rosemary isn't sure how she feels about that, especially with Matt making it well known he has set his cap for her. Can Rosemary open her heart to the love and new life awaiting her in Cedar Creek?

I enjoyed the first book in the Cedar Creek series. When I heard the author was touring with the next book, I signed up right away. I wish I had received an actual copy of the book instead of an ARC, because the cover looks beautiful in the picture. I wanted to see if it looks even more stunning up close.

Rosemary Opens Her Heart is a superbly written, engaging Amish novel that will tug at your heartstrings. It's beautiful to watch Matt and Rosemary's relationship blossom. You can't help but sympathize with Rosemary's confusion. Joe and Matt are so different in how they approach romance. In addition, Rosemary dealt with Joe's death by forgetting her needs and focusing on taking care of Joe's father and sister. She has a small baked goods business that she runs out of Titus's home, but her entire life is dedicated to taking care of everyone else. She's scared to consider what she needs.

King does a fine job of continuing to create that small town feel by sharing how the entire community pitches in when a person is in need. While Matt and Rosemary are the main focus of this novel, the reader sees how Zanna and Johnny are getting along. She also catches up on the close friendship of Abby Lambright and James Graber. And if Titus decides to move his family back to Cedar Creek so he can partner with Matt and be closer to his brother, Ezra, the addition of the Yutzy family will bring changes to the community. King has definitely paved the way for another great book in this series. I can't wait to read it!


Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451237978
ISBN-13: 978-0451237972
SRP: $14.00 (Also available in electronic formats)

I received an ARC of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 60th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 36th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: The Apocalypse of Hagren Roose by J. W. Nicklaus

In this powerful, eloquently written novella, small-town big shot Hagren Roose takes a journey through the choices he's made and hopefully may have a chance to atone for.

The Apocalypse of Hagren Roose is a thought-provoking literary work. Hagren has distanced himself from his family by his actions. He hasn't spoken to his daughter Alina in four years. He has no idea what his wife needs. And now it's time for him to think about what's truly important to him.

There are so many interesting aspects to this book. The tense relationship between Hagren and his family. The unexplained rivalry between Alina's father and her girlfriend, Catherine. The mysterious nurses seen by Apollo Clayton, the nighttime janitor. Catherine's love of crossword puzzles. Nicklaus blended all of these to create a fascinating story that will leave a lasting impression. In some ways, I felt like I was traveling through Christmases past with Scrooge and his ghost, hoping for a transformation to arise.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

• File Size: 359 KB
• Print Length: 105 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008NWXQXK
• SRP: $2.99 

I received a free e-copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 58th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 35th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: The Proxy Assassin by John Knoerle

The American Spy Trilogy comes to an explosive end in The Proxy Assassin by John Knoerle.

Two years have passed since Former OSS Agent Hal Schroeder was sent on his last suicide mission. Maybe it's time for him to start settling down. Hal is invited to Washington D.C. by Frank Wisner, head of the CIA’s new covert ops division. He is then whisked off to Wisner’s Maryland shore retreat and introduced to Romanian royals, including the beautiful Princess Stela Varadja, a direct descendant of Vlad Tepes Draculea.

Wisner asks Hal if he would consider parachuting into a remote mountain camp to meet with the leader of a group of Romanian anti-Communist guerillas? That's when things get scary.

After being totally captivated by the second book of this series, A Despicable Profession, I eagerly anticipated the release of the final book. Hal is faced with a new puzzle to solve in the fight against Communism. Knoerle blends characters from the past book with new fictional and historical characters to create a story where the still infant Central Intelligence Agency is working against another threat to freedom. So much of what I like about Hal is part of this book: his cocky, sarcastic attitude, his ability to creatively get out of messes, and his vulnerability to the opposite sex. Hal is wise beyond his years, and he isn't afraid to tell it like it is.

I have to admit the first half of this the book lagged a bit for me. After reading a thrilling, fast-paced story in A Despicable Profession, I found The Proxy Assassin unfolded much more slowly, at least until around Chapter Nineteen, where the pace and action picked up. Knoerle did a superb job of connecting the past and the present. He managed to add a hint of romance or potential romance to Hal's life without distracting from the unfolding storyline. In addition, the back story was woven in well.  I only wish the tension and suspense had stayed steady.

Post-WWII fiction lovers, those who enjoy espionage novels, and those interested in historical novels set around the early years of the Cold War should consider this one.

Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Blue Steel Press (September 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982090390
ISBN-13: 978-0982090398
SRP:  $15.00
Kindle version only 99 cents

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This book is the 57th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 34th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 13th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray

If you like westerns, and if you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a good dash of romance, you'll want to read A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray.

It's Texas, 1874. Scout Proffitt has long since given up on being anything like his Civil War hero brother, Clayton. Scout isn't proud of the man he's become, but it's a bit late to change now. Or is it? When Scout makes his way to the Bar C Ranch, which he won in a poker game, he's wondering if the Lord has something planned for him.

Rosemarie Cousins has lived a life filled with self-doubt and guilt. Shouldering the blame for her brother's death, she's certain the darkness that fills her life will be her forever companion. When a stranger rides onto the family's ranch, claiming he owns it, she is finally free to choose to continue in the darkness or seek her dreams.

If you are a character-driven reader, you won't find better character-driven fiction than A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray. These characters are put to the test from beginning to end. Scout and Rosemarie are so much more than they appear to be in the beginning. It's wonderful to watch their stories unfold--separately and together. Though their romance is important to the story, I never felt it was the focus. I wouldn't be opposed to sharing this book with my father-in-law because there is definitely enough action to hold your interest.

I didn't know this was the third book in a series. While A Texan's Choice is definitely a stand-alone novel, perhaps the confusion of so many characters being introduced in the beginning would have been lessened by reading the earlier books.

My nitpick was in the editing. There were more errors than I would like to see within a novel's pages. The back cover blurb even has an error. The Cousins' family ranch is the Bar C in the book, not the Circle C, which is what is printed on the back cover. I haven't discounted the possibility that I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book, but that is not noted anywhere on the copy I received, and the ranch is also called the Circle C on the publisher's website. I have to admit to also being confused over the color of Scout's eyes. It's such a little thing, but his eyes were mentioned often in the book. When Scout first approached Rosemarie, it is said he has pale blue eyes. By the time Rosemarie finds herself face-to-face with Scout again, she comments on his dark eyes. Later they are said to be "the darkest shade of gray imaginable, a true mix of dark pewter and blue." That doesn't even take into account that the man on the cover has brown eyes. I felt if so much attention was paid to his eyes that it should have been consistent.

All that said, if you focus on the story and the characters, those details probably won't bother you. A Texan's Choice is definitely a book worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I was not compensated in any way.

This is the 54th book I've read for the following challenge:

 It is the 31st book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: For Love of Sarah by Hazel Statham

Regency romance at its finest awaits you in For Love of Sarah by Hazel Statham.

Five years ago, Alexander Markham, Earl of Thorne, discovered his wife, Sarah, had abandoned him. For reasons unknown, the beautiful wife he cherished disappeared without a trace. When he spots her in the marketplace in Yorkshire, the feelings he worked desperately to subdue in the years since she left, come flooding back.

Sarah dared to think she was safe from the secrets that haunt her. Seeing Alexander again after all this time, makes her realize how precarious her situation is. When a flood threatens her home, she is forced to take Alexander up on his offer to board at her former home. As the days pass, the risk of discovery grows, and she doubts their love is strong enough to triumph over the secrets of her past.

For Love of Sarah is a moving Regency romance with a unique plot and a sense of adventure. Filled with love, a quest for the truth, and forgiveness the reader is treated to a romance novel that begs to be devoured. Masterfully told, Statham has created characters you love--or in some instances, love to hate--and whose story totally captivates you from the very first word.

I rarely have the chance to read a book in one sitting, but I stayed up late into the night to finish this one. Having read several of Statham's books, I was thrilled when she asked me to review For Love of Sarah. I have never been disappointed in her work and each book I read is better than the last. That this romance novel deals with a married couple overcoming obstacles to be reunited makes this book unusual, but also very special. Statham takes a risk and it works well.

If you love Regency romance, you must read For Love of Sarah!

Paperback (also available in electronic formats)

Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 8, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1612186831

ISBN-13: 978-1612186832

Pre-order now for a January release!

I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 52nd book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 30th book I've read for the following challenge:

 

Book Review: Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

A moving story of love and faith awaits you in Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard.

An autumn storm does more than break the front window at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe. It also blows Ben Hooley into Miriam Lantz's life. Widowed since the death of her husband Jesse, and being pursued endlessly by Bishop Knepp to accept his offer of marriage, she is quickly taken with the handsome traveling blacksmith.

Ben's appearance in Willow Ridge could be wonderful in many ways, but the bishop isn't thrilled about a rival for Miriam's hand. With the fate of her beloved cafe at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to find the happiness and love she deserves.

In the second book of the Seasons of the Heart series, Hubbard picks up where she left off with the lives of the Plain folk from Willow Ridge, Missouri. Miriam is preparing for her daughter, Rachel's wedding to Micah, the son of her business partner, Naomi Brenneman. She's not looking for love, but when Ben Hooley blows in with the storm, she feels an instant connection to him. Their friendship and developing romance is hampered by her connection to the past and her fear over the fate of her beloved cafe. Bishop Knepp, who began pursuing her in the first book, refuses to take no for an answer. He has his cap set for Miriam and he'll do anything to have her for his wife.

With Autumn Winds, Hubbard has created an inspirational story filled with characters you're bound to love and relate to. More than just a romance between a widow and a newcomer, the residents of Willow Ridge will truly capture your heart. Hubbard's masterful storytelling blends with a well-developed plot and superbly drawn characters to create a story that will become a quick favorite for lovers of the genre. While definitely a stand alone novel, much can be gained by reading, Summer of Secrets, the first book in the series, along with this one. Just like the first book, the reader will be treated to many scrumptious recipes at the end of the story.

I eagerly await the next installment of this series, Winter of Wishes, due out next fall.


Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121707
ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
SRP:  $6.99

I received a free paperback from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 51st book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 29th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Sasha Plotkin's Deceit by Vaughn Sherman

Sasha Plotkin's Deceit by Vaughn Sherman is an espionage novel set during the Cold War. The year is 1972. The Soviet Union has successfully planted a mole in the upper echelons of the Central Intelligence Agency. Three years earlier, CIA officer Chris Holbeck took part in a failed mission to engineer the defection of Soviet KGB officer, Sasha Plotkin, who may know the identity of the mole.

Now, Plotkin has resurfaced and refuses to deal with anyone other than Chris. Their relationship already tense from Plotkin's earlier deceit, Chris must decide if participating in one last mission is worth the threat to his life and his marriage.

I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis of this espionage novel. Author Vaughn Sherman has taken his experience with the CIA and blended it into a novel about the defection of Soviet KGB agent during the Cold War. It's obvious from the many details that the author has firsthand experience. The author has also written a memoir and three books on dealing with the management of non-profits. Perhaps this is why so much of Sasha Plotkin's Deceit is telling instead of showing.

The book starts out strong, with an engaging, albeit long, prologue. It quickly deteriorates into a story plagued by too many extraneous details, quickly--and easily--resolved conflicts, and characters that remain undeveloped. Sherman definitely knows the era in which the story is set, but based upon the synopsis, I thought the incident from three years ago would be carefully woven in back story. Instead, it's an intricate part of the plot that makes the novel unnecessarily lengthy. While I applaud the efforts to add the personal side of Chris's life into the story, the challenges between Chris and his wife are a distraction at best. Lisa's motivation for acting the way she does isn't convincing enough. Bits and pieces of her past that are woven into the story leave the reader wondering how they connect to create the person Lisa has become. Chris's mother is like a relative you only see on the holidays: she makes an appearance here and there, but you never really get to know her.

Dialogue was also an area where the book didn't quite make it. Characters would provide lengthy explanations of events while Chris was relegated to sitting there and listening. During what one would expect to be an emotional exchange with his wife, he never attempts to interrupt her. Later, during a conversation with Sasha, he has brief interjections, but overall it's just Sasha telling him things. These long passages aren't even broken up with action on the characters' parts, so the reader is left wondering if they literally just sat there for an hour or so talking without doing anything else like scratching their noses, motioning with their hands, or blinking.

I stuck with it to the end because I wanted to see how all the pieces of the puzzle fit. I'm glad I did, but overall, Sasha Plotkin's Deceit didn't have enough action for my taste and the pace was slowed by a plethora of details. The book, however, has received several great reviews on Amazon, so feel free to check it out. If you enjoy an intellectually developed, intricate espionage novel, this might be your cup of tea.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Camel Press; 1st edition (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603818111
ISBN-13: 978-1603818117
SRP: $16.95

I received a free electronic copy of this book through Partners in Crime Tours. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way. 

This is the 50th book I've reviewed for the following challenge:

It is the 28th book I've reviewed for the following challenge:

It is the 12th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young

Vernetta Henderson returns in this suspenseful thriller from Pamela Samuels Young.

When Vernetta takes on a case of gender discrimination against a large retail chain, she's certain this is an open and shut case where she'll be victorious. When one of her clients in the case is murdered, and evidence  goes missing, Vernetta wants to see justice served more than anything. Learning she's going up against the unscrupulous Girlie Cortez, who is representing Big Buy in the case, certainly isn't going to make Vernetta's job any easier.

Attorney-Client Privilege is another fabulous installment in this series by Pamela Samuels Young. As she has done with other Vernetta Henderson books, Young hooks you with a superb plot that unravels to a satisfying conclusion thanks to her skillful storytelling. The other thing that the author does so well is blend Vernetta's personal and professional lives into the story. Vernetta and her husband, Jefferson, face new challenges. Her best friend, Special, has troubles of her own that are tied in some ways to Vernetta's woes. It's tremendously satisfying to watch these characters develop.

Girlie Cortez has to be the most complex character in this story. Through most of it, I couldn't stand her, but as the story played out, the reader could see why she acted the way she did--even if she didn't approve or like it. I would love to see Girlie pop up in a future installment of this series.

If you're looking for a legal thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end, you won't want to pass up Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young. Her work is some of the best in this genre.


Paperback: 396 pages
Publisher: Goldman House Publishing (June 9, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981562795
ISBN-13: 978-0981562797
SRP: $16.99
Also available in electronic formats

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Pamela Samuels Young are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD!

Visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/06/04/pump-up-your-book-presents-attorney-client-privilege-virtual-book-tour-2012/# for details on how you can enter for your chance to win!

I received a free paperback copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no compensation of any kind.

This is the 49th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 27th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 11th book I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Rings of Paradise by Maxine Douglas

Shadoe Donovan is tired of life on the road, but his distrust of women doesn't make him eager to settle down. Besides, he has a job to do: make people realize what the life of a professional wrestler is really like. He decides to purchase a struggling magazine to help him spread his message.

Khristen Roberts is boarding a plane for Hawaii on a long overdue vacation from her job at Plain Talk. A new mysterious owner has taken over the magazine, so it's the perfect time for her to step away for a bit of R & R. Little does she know, she is about to come face-to-face with the new owner, and when she meets him, things don't go smoothly.

As I mentioned in my First Chapter Review of this book, the unique plot and the great characters kept me turning the pages of this contemporary romance. Sexual tension is high between the two main characters, who probably couldn't be more different than each other if they tried.

Author Maxine Douglas spends a good deal of time developing her characters. Couple that with the unique plot, and you have a romance novel you devour within a few hours. I was sad to see this book come to an end, and I would love to see either or both of these characters in another story. Perhaps some more romance on the road.

Rings of Paradise is a superbly told, sexy romance. I'll be looking for more books by Maxine Douglas soon.

File Size: 280 KB

Print Length: 152 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing (August 22, 2012)

ISBN: 978-1-77127-136-3

SRP: $5.50

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not received compensation of any kind.

This is the 46th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 26th book I've read for the following challenge:

 

Book Review: Cracking the New Job Market by R. William Holland

If you're looking for a job right now, you need to read a copy of Cracking the New Job Market: The 7 Rules for Getting Hired in Any Economy by R. William Holland.


Once upon a time, in a land where jobs were plentiful and loyalty was rewarded, finding a job was easier. You typed up an attractive resume that listed your skills and responsibilities, you went on an interview or two, obtained a job offer, and happily worked at that company for many years--if not for the rest of your employed life.


As Holland's book indicates, the new job market doesn't resemble this model at all. Employers aren't as concerned with college degrees and former job titles. They want to know what value you can create for them in the future. Today's job seekers don't expect to stay within the same company or in the same position for more than a few years. And employers don't expect they will either. Social media has nearly replaced networking groups.


As I am finding out, the job market is still tougher for women because they often have careers interrupted by caring for their children or elderly parents/in-laws. And while parents used to believe that sending their children to college meant a guaranteed job afterwards, they are now encouraged to help their children learn about value creation early in life.


These are all concepts I learned about in Holland's book. And I don't have to wonder if they are true. I see it all around me. They apply to my own circumstances. They apply to my son's circumstances. He once worked a full-time job and a part-time job. When he was let go from his full-time job, he was at least able to increase his hours at his part-time job. But it was still a significant loss in pay. He and his wife have no health insurance, and they struggle to make ends meet. Yes, I can give him tons of parental advice, but I feel the best thing I can do for him right now is purchase him a copy of Cracking the New Job Market to help him with his job search.

Holland uses his years of experience in human resources to offer sound advice for today's job seekers. His conversational, inspiring style will be much appreciated. While every chapter is a winner in this book, the 7 Rules are complemented by helpful Appendices that discuss how to encourage value creation in your children, how to financially plan for new career realities, how to apply the rules to worldwide employment, and an example of a functional resume.

Job seekers everywhere need to pick up a copy of this book!

Reading level: Ages 18 and up

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: AMACOM (August 17, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0814417345

ISBN-13: 978-0814417348

SRP: $17.95

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no compensation of any kind.
This is the 45th book I've read for the following challenge:

 

Book Review: The Deliverer by Kathi Macias

Christian fiction at its best is what the Freedom Series by Kathi Macias is all about.

In the third and final book, Mara is faced with a multitude of choices. Though she fears men, she can't shake her feelings for Jonathan, the Bible student who saved her from life as a sex slave. But what man would want a damaged woman like her? And what about her family? Should she return to Mexico to face the people who sold her into slavery? Perhaps even more important, can she receive God's forgiveness and also forgive those who have hurt and betrayed her?

Jonathan is dealing with his own struggles. He can't shake his feelings for Mara, though he's fairly certain she wants nothing to do with him. Then there's Sarah, his sister's best friend. She's been crushing on him for years. Should he try getting to know her better?

Lawan was a sex slave in Thailand, where she watched her older sister die in the brothel. Now rescued, she has been adopted by a family in America, who is also caring for her younger sister. She misses Thailand, the people at the orphanage, and her deceased parents and older sister. Will she ever be happy with her family in America?

The Deliverer is a story of forgiveness, faith, and God's infinite love. This heartrending, emotional story of lives affected by human trafficking will move you beyond words. Having read the first two books in the series (Deliver Me From Evil and Special Delivery), I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. The lives of the Flannerys, Sarah, Mara, Lawan, and numerous other characters have captured my heart. I feel like these people could be my neighbors and friends.

I've read several books by Kathi Macias over the years. With The Deliverer, she continues to grow in her craft and glorify God. She doesn't shy away from tackling the tough subjects. In this series, and this book in particular, characters are put to the test. Can they move beyond the horrible crimes that have brought them together? This way of life is over for Mara and Lawan, but it still exists for many others out there. Mara has even been instrumental in helping another young girl affected by human trafficking. Macias brings a tough issue to light, which encourages them to get involved.

A masterfully told story that shows the wonder of how God works in our lives, The Deliverer is a must read. While a stand alone novel, I feel it best to read the other books in the series first so one can follow the characters along their journeys.

Highly recommended!

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: New Hope Publishers (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596693088
ISBN-13: 978-1596693081
SRP: $14.99 (Also available in electronic formats)



I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. The author paid me a fee to promote this book with a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book. This tour did not include compensation for a review. I have not been paid to share my thoughts on this book.

This is the 41st book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 25th I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith

Deputy Tempe Crabtree is back in Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith.

Tempe has her hands full with a rash of burglaries and the murder of two older women. Were these harmless ladies the victims of an addict who wanted their prescription drugs?

A fast-moving thunderstorm quickly adds to Tempe's woes. With the water rising, temporary shelters are set up and relocated residents' tempers flare. A mud slide blocks the road into town, stranding the residents of Bear Creek--including the murderer.

Superb! Thrilling! A real page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series has been one of my favorites since I began reading it. I never miss a book. In this installment, Tempe is battling many issues. There's a burglar on the loose, which leads to her being yanked out of bed at an ungodly hour. The murder of two best friends is puzzling, and a raging storm leaves everyone on edge. So, in addition to trying to fight crime, Tempe is put in the undesirable position of having to notify people to evacuate to shelters, break up disagreements, and keep herself out of danger. There is so much going on in this book, you'll be flying through it and be eager to read it over again once you're done.

Meredith has spent a good deal of time with Tempe, her family, and the residents of Bear Creek. It shows. Her characters are well-developed. There's enough back story so newcomers to the series aren't lost, but enough new characters and crime solving to keep long time fans satisfied. I like how each book stands alone, but also helps move the characters along in their lives in the process. We don't see Detective Morrison in this book, but Meredith smartly includes conversations between Morrison and Tempe, so the character is not forgotten. He and Nick Two John are my favorite characters.

If you're looking for a riveting mystery, you'll want to pick up a copy of Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith.




I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 40th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 24th book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 10th book I've read for the following challenge: